Compare the2024 Toyota TacomaVS 2024 Nissan Frontier

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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With its standard Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, the Toyota Tacoma is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Nissan Frontier, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	Tacoma	Frontier
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-19 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-21 MPH
Warning Issued-Brights	2 sec	1.6 sec
37 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-27 MPH
Warning Issued-Low beams	2.3 sec	1.6 sec

The Tacoma has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Frontier doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Full-time four-wheel drive is optional on the Tacoma. Full-time four-wheel drive gives added traction for safety in all conditions, not just off-road, like the only system available on the Frontier.

The Tacoma’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Frontier.

Both the Tacoma and Frontier offer rear cross-traffic warning, but the Tacoma with Blind Spot Monitor also has Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Frontier’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Tacoma and the Frontier have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Toyota Tacoma Double Cab is safer than the Frontier Crew Cab:

	Tacoma	Frontier
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.31 in	.79 in
Shoulder Force	112 lbs.	201 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.71 in	.98 in
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	602 lbs.	625 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	96	427
Head Peak Forces	no contact	88 G’s
Neck Tension	67 lbs.	134 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Shoulder Deflection	.47 in	1.81 in
Shoulder Force	245 lbs.	469 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.83 in	1.18 in
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	9 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	535 lbs.	848 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	MARGINAL

The Toyota Tacoma achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Frontier is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Tacoma for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Nissan doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Frontier.

There are over 14 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Nissan dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Tacoma’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Tacoma has a standard 776-amp battery. The Frontier’s 510-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota second in reliability, above the industry average. With 52 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in overall reliability. Nissan is ranked 17th.

Engine

The Tacoma’s optional 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 29 lbs.-ft. more torque (310 vs. 281) than the Frontier’s 3.8 DOHC V6. The Tacoma’s standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 36 lbs.-ft. more torque (317 vs. 281) than the Frontier’s 3.8 DOHC V6. The Tacoma’s optional 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 16 more horsepower (326 vs. 310) and 184 lbs.-ft. more torque (465 vs. 281) than the Frontier’s 3.8 DOHC V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the Toyota Tacoma is faster than the Nissan Frontier (automatics tested):

	Tacoma turbo 4 cyl.	Tacoma 4 cyl. hybrid gas	Frontier
Zero to 60 MPH	7.2 sec	7.1 sec	7.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15.5 sec	15.4 sec	16 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.2 MPH	87.7 MPH	87.9 MPH

As tested in Motor Trend the Toyota Tacoma (326 HP engine) is faster than the Nissan Frontier (base engine) (automatics tested):

	Tacoma	Frontier
Zero to 60 MPH	7.1 sec	7.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15.4 sec	16 sec

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Tacoma gets better mileage than the Frontier:

			MPG
Tacoma
RWD	Auto	SR5 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/26 hwy
		SR 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/26 hwy
		PreRunner/TRD Sport 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/24 hwy
AWD	Manual	2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	18 city/23 hwy
	Auto	SR 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	19 city/24 hwy
		Limited 2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	20 city/23 hwy
		2.4 turbo 4-cyl.	19 city/23 hwy
Frontier
	Auto	3.8 DOHC V6	18 city/24 hwy
AWD	Auto	3.8 DOHC V6	18 city/23 hwy
		PRO-4X 3.8 DOHC V6	18 city/22 hwy

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Tacoma Auto’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Frontier doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Transmission

The Tacoma offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The Frontier doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Tacoma’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Frontier:

	Tacoma SR/SR5/PreRunner	Tacoma i-Force Max	Frontier King Cab	Frontier Crew Cab
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	13.4 inches	11.1 inches	11.7 inches
Rear Rotors	12.2 inches	13.2 inches	11.3 inches	11.3 inches

The Tacoma stops much shorter than the Frontier:

	Tacoma	Frontier
60 to 0 MPH	114 feet	133 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Tacoma has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Frontier S. The Tacoma 5-ft. bed Double Cab Trailhunter/TRD Pro’s 18-inch wheels are larger than the 17-inch wheels on the Frontier PRO-X/PRO-4X/Hardbody.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Tacoma has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Nissan Frontier has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The Tacoma has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Frontier Crew Cab suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Tacoma offers an active front sway bar, which helps keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnects at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Frontier doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The front and rear suspension of the optional Tacoma uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the Frontier, which uses leaf springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The Tacoma offers an available. The Frontier’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Tacoma’s wheelbase is longer than on the Frontier:

	Tacoma	Frontier
Extended Cab Standard Bed	131.9 inches	126 inches
Crew Cab Short Bed	131.9 inches	126 inches
Crew Cab Standard Bed	145.1 inches	139.8 inches

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Tacoma is 5 inches wider in the front and 5 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Frontier.

The Tacoma 6-ft. bed TRD Sport Double Cab executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the Frontier LWB SV Crew Cab 4x4 (27.9 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 28.9 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Tacoma’s turning circle is tighter than the Frontier’s:

	Tacoma	Frontier
Extended Cab Standard Bed	42.2 feet	42.7 feet
Crew Cab Short Bed	42.2 feet	42.7 feet
Extended Cab Standard Bed 4x4	42.2 feet	42.4 feet
Crew Cab Short Bed 4x4	42.2 feet	42.4 feet
Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x4	45.8 feet	46.5 feet

For greater off-road capability the Tacoma XtraCab has a 1.8 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Frontier LWB SV Crew Cab (10.7 vs. 8.9 inches), allowing the Tacoma to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Tacoma 5-ft. bed TRD Pro Double Cab’s minimum ground clearance is 1.7 inches higher than on the Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab (11.5 vs. 9.8 inches).

Passenger Space

The Tacoma XtraCab has 2.5 inches more front hip room and .1 inches more front shoulder room than the Frontier King Cab.

The Tacoma Double Cab has 2.5 inches more front hip room, .1 inches more front shoulder room, .5 inches more rear legroom and 2.6 inches more rear hip room than the Frontier Crew Cab.

Cargo Capacity

The Tacoma’s cargo box is larger than the Frontier’s in almost every dimension:

	Tacoma XtraCab	Tacoma Double Cab	Frontier Crew Cab	Frontier King Cab
Length (short/long)	73.5”	60.3”/73.5”	59.5”/72.7”	73.3”
Max Width	56.4”	56.4”	61.4”	61.4”
Min Width	44.7”	44.7”	44.5”	44.5”
Height	20.2”	21.2”	19.4”	19.4”

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Tacoma (except SR/SR5/PreRunner) offers an optional power cargo door, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Frontier doesn’t offer a power cargo door.

Payload

The Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 has a higher standard payload capacity than the Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 (1380 vs. 1290 lbs.).

The Tacoma has higher optional payload capacities than the Frontier:

	Tacoma	Frontier
Crew Cab	1690 lbs.	1480 lbs.
Crew Cab 4x4	1705 lbs.	1310 lbs.

Ergonomics

To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the Tacoma has a telescoping steering wheel. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining contact with the pedals. The Frontier doesn’t offer a telescoping steering wheel.

The Tacoma Limited/Trailhunter/TRD Pro has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, navigation instruction and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Frontier doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Tacoma’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Frontier’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The power windows standard on both the Tacoma and the Frontier have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Tacoma is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Frontier prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Tacoma’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Frontier’s power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Tacoma the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Frontier can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Tacoma’s standard Smart Key allow you to unlock the doors from the driver’s outside door handle and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the Frontier only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the truck The Tacoma’s optional Smart Key also allows you to unlock the doors from either rear door handle and unlock the tailgate. The Frontier’s optional Intelligent Key doesn’t offer a sensor on the tailgate.

The Tacoma’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Frontier’s power window (except driver window) switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Tacoma’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Frontier’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The Tacoma has standard power remote mirrors. The Frontier S doesn’t offer either a remote driver side or passenger side mirror. The driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The Tacoma’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Frontier and aren’t offered on the Frontier S.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Tacoma (except SR/SR5/PreRunner) keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Frontier doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the Tacoma has standard rear heat vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The Frontier King Cab doesn’t offer rear vents.

Recommendations

The Toyota Tacoma outsold the Nissan Frontier by over four to one during 2023.

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